Government

Engineering

The Journal for Public Infrastructure

Software Monitors Movement in Real Time

4D Control software (www.trimble.com) combines Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and optical technologies for real-time deformation monitoring applications, ideal for monitoring dams, bridges, buildings, pipeline support piers, large-scale construction and excavation sites, landslides, tunnels, and other structures. Surveyors can now integrate positioning data from GNSS receivers to detect rapid motion and long-term movement trends. GNSS receivers can also be used in conjunction with optical target monitoring to examine the stability of control to ensure accurate optical measurements. The software works seamlessly with the NetRS GPS, Net R3 Reference Sensor, NetR5, or NetR8 GNSS receivers. The data from both the optical instruments and the GNSS receivers is combined, processed, and analyzed in Trimble 4D Control software, which monitors these measurements and triggers alarms if motion is detected.